21-05-20, 17:06
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Re: WAR HERO COL Tom is Knighted by the Queen >He Raised £33mil for NHS
Colonel Tom Moore is Knighted by the Queen in Incredible New Honour for NHS Hero
Colonel Tom Moore, an inspirational war veteran, raised more than £33 million for NHS Charities Together by walking laps of his garden in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire
Daily Mirror UK, 21 MAY 2020
Captain Tom Moore is promoted to Honorary Colonel by Royal assent on his 100th birthday (Image: MOD/AFP via Getty Images)
Captain Tom, the 100-year-old Army veteran who raised £33million for the NHS in the coronavirus crisis, is being knighted.
The old soldier was promoted to Colonel on his centenary last month – and a Second World War Spitfire and Hurricane carried out a fly past to mark his birthday.
On Tuesday it was revealed he would become Colonel Sir Tom Moore, in a rare honour by the Queen outside of the usual calendar for such announcements.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Colonel Tom’s fantastic fundraising broke records, inspired the whole country and provided us all with a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus.
“On behalf of everyone who has been moved by his incredible story, I want to say a huge thank you. He’s a true national treasure.”
The Second World War veteran and proud Yorkshireman became a national hero after walking 100 laps of his Bedfordshire garden, with service medals pinned to his jacket and clutching his walking frame, to fundraise for the health service.
The country, shocked from the mounting Covid-19 death toll and the unprecedented curbs on freedom as part of the lockdown, rallied behind Captain Tom.
Some 150,000 birthday cards from the public were displayed in the hall of his grandson Benjie Ingram-Moore's school.
The Prime Minister personally recommended to the Queen that Col Tom be exceptionally honoured.
Political leaders from across the spectrum welcomed the accolade.
British Army Captain Tom Moore in his army uniform
Labour leader Keir Starmer said: “On behalf of the Labour Party I congratulate Captain Tom Moore on his knighthood.
“In these difficult times for our country, Tom brought inspiration to millions and helped all of us to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our NHS.
“After serving his country during the war, Tom recognised that today’s heroes are our frontline NHS and care workers.
“In his actions, Tom embodied the national solidarity which has grown throughout this crisis, and showed us that everyone can play their part in helping build a better future.”
Lib Dem acting leader Sir Ed Davey said: “Tom is a hero, not only because he raised so much cash for the NHS but because he has become a symbol of hope in a difficult time.
“He has inspired many others to raise funds in their own ways, the way Tom and others have got behind our key workers has shown the true spirit of our country.”
The Government is also set to give further details on plans for how frontline heroes who have been fighting coronavirus will be honoured in the coming months – fuelling hopes No10 will back the Mirror's campaign to Give NHS Heroes A Medal when the Covid-19 crisis eases.
A Government spokeswoman said: “We know there is huge appetite to say thank you to all those supporting the nation during this emergency and doing incredible things day in, day out, up and down the country.
“We will ensure these unsung heroes are recognised in the right way, at the right time.”
Last month all five, living former prime ministers threw their weight behind the Mirror's campaign.
Sir John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Theresa May revealed their backing for the drive.
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